@mrowland08 Here are some methods to reduce swelling besides Red-Light Therapy:
There are several "old-school" and "new-school" approaches that can help break the cycle of inflammation.

Since the ENT mentioned LPR (Silent Reflux), these ideas focus on reducing both the post-viral irritation and the acid-related triggers.

1. The "Mechanical" Soothers
Sometimes the tonsils stay swollen simply because the throat is too dry or irritated by the air we breathe.

Warm Saltwater Gargles: This is the #1 doctor-recommended natural remedy. The salt literally "pulls" excess fluid out of the swollen tonsillar tissue through osmosis. Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water several times a day.

Humidifier at Night: Dry air (especially in winter) acts like sandpaper on sensitive throat tissue. Keeping the air moist helps the lingual tonsils stay lubricated so they can finally shrink.

Voice Rest: This sounds simple, but lingual tonsils sit at the base of the tongue. Every time we talk or whisper, that tongue movement "rubs" against the swollen tissue. Giving the voice a total rest for 48 hours can sometimes break the inflammatory cycle.

2. Natural Anti-Inflammatories

Turmeric "Golden Milk": Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. Mixing it with warm milk (or a dairy-free alternative) is a gentle way to coat the throat.

Licorice Root Tea: Licorice root is famous for its "demulcent" properties, meaning it creates a protective film over the throat. It can be very effective at soothing the "lump" feeling caused by swollen lingual tonsils.

Slippery Elm: Available as a tea or lozenge, this is another natural "coater" that protects the throat from irritants like acid or lingering viral particles.

3. Addressing the "Silent Reflux" (LPR) Suspect
The "Three-Hour Rule": Do not eat anything within 30 minutes of lying down. This prevents stomach enzymes from traveling up to the throat while they sleep.

Alkaline Water: Drinking water with a pH of 8.8 or higher can actually deactivate pepsin (the stomach enzyme) that gets stuck to the throat and causes lingual tonsil swelling.

Avoid "The Big 4": For just a week, try cutting out caffeine, chocolate, mint, and citrus. These all relax the valve that keeps stomach contents out of the throat.

4. Over-the-Counter Options
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen/Naproxen): Unlike Prednisone (a steroid), NSAIDs work on a different inflammatory pathway. Taking a steady (not "as needed") dose of Ibuprofen for 3–5 days (with food!) can sometimes provide the "low-level" anti-inflammatory support needed after the Prednisone is gone.

Throat Sprays: Look for sprays containing phenol or benzocaine to numb the area but also check for zinc-infused rinses which can help with tissue healing.

Since you had a respiratory illness right before this, the lymphatic system might just be "congested." Try gentle lymphatic neck massage (stroking downward from behind the ears toward the collarbone) to help the fluid drain away from those swollen nodes and tonsils. This may GREATLY help you. Do you have an electric neck massager? That machine helped me so much, and maybe a good neck massage will move all that lymph fluid down. They are numerous on eBay. I attached a photo of a vintage neck massager and a red-light wand, if you are interested.